2005/2006 Marathon champs, Placencia Pirates, are a young team who are still adjusting to the rigors of the BPFL. The shutout loss to FC Belize was obviously a case of stage fright, because they played well against Wagiya.

Meanwhile, Hankook Verdes, who are no strangers to the BPFL, ran for 90 plus minutes and came out with a scoreless draw against Kremandala FC in Belize City; drew l?l with defending champs, Juventus, at the People?s Stadium in Orange Walk, and in their last outing took it out on their neighbors Cayo Avengers, 5-nil.

It may sound crazy, but so far the best looking team showcasing pattern, spreading the field and creating space is Verdes. However, Verdes does appear to be a little slow in finishing with the ball in the back of the net.

For Placencia to have a chance, they may need to constantly pound the ball into the Verdes? eighteen yard box and stay away from trying to match Verdes? ball possession skills, while somehow still getting the ball to their forwards.

Verdes is an experienced, disciplined and well-coached team under head coach Nayo Waight, assisted by Ronald Hulse. The Pirates could very well get frustrated if they can?t stop the ?Mean Green Machine? from holding on to the ball for extended periods with accurate and precision passing.

Young, talented Pirate captain, Dalton Eiley, will need to settle and calm down his shipmates and let the game come to them. Against Verdes, that may be a big task for a young team since the Pirates will have to contend with the speedy Jimenez brothers – second year forward Richard ?Cheatie? Jimenez and rookie Danny Jimenez.